On March 1, the annual Monett Missouri Stake Women’s Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held with 176 women attending from areas like Lamar, Stockton, Carthage, Aurora, Monett, Pierce City, Granby and Cassville.

Stake Relief Society President Molly Bryan, of Monett, presented “hope” as the wonderful feeling that women can wake up to every morning because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and invited the women to increase their hope.

“Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier,” said President Thomas Monson, former president of the Church.

Monett Missouri Stake President Paul Fields, of Carthage, praised the women.

“We need your talents,’ he said. ‘We can’t do it without you. We thank you for your efforts.”

Tessa Mellor, of Marionville, presented mental health “tricks” that she developed over time after an “Ahh” moment when her thoughts were making her miserable. Mellor turned to Christ and began changing her thoughts.

Becky Sherwood, of Verona, taught how the Japanese art of “kintasugi” applies to women’s lives. Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery with gold, rather than throwing the broken object away. The resulting repair ends up making a stronger, more beautiful item.

‘Everyone has been broken by something, and Jesus Christ repairs us with gold, making us a stronger, more beautiful person,’ she said.

Monett Missouri Stake Patriarch Robert Canaan, of Aurora, praised women and his wife for helping him moment by moment.

“I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for her,” he said.

Outside of the guest speakers, the conference indlued musical renditions from Amanda Hull, of Pierce City; Savannah Schofield, of Pierce City; and Jennifer Witt, of Monett.

The three-hour Women’s Conference ended with a variety of delicious soups, vegetable trays, rolls and dessert.